Vibrating therapy system and device

ABSTRACT

A vibration therapy device that includes a housing that includes a handle portion, a head portion and a module seat defined on the head portion, an electrical source, a motor positioned in the housing, a switch for activating the motor, a push rod assembly operatively connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor, and a therapy module removably secured to the module seat. The distal end of the push rod assembly is configured to removably receive a reciprocating attachment thereon. The therapy module at least partially surrounds the distal end of the push rod assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/705,300, filed Mar. 26, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/361,966, filed Jun. 29, 2021, now U.S.Pat. No. 11,331,244, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/133,530, filed Jan. 4, 2021, U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/065,348, filed Aug. 13, 2020, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/045,365, filed Jun. 29, 2020, the entiretiesof which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a vibration therapy systemand device, and more particularly to a vibration therapy device withinterchangeable attachments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As people age, devices for skin and facial care are needed. Percussivemassage devices that provide reciprocating motion and provide relief tosore muscles and other parts of the body are known. For example, seeU.S. Pat. Nos. 10,857,064 and 10,945,915, the entireties of which areincorporated by reference herein. However, many percussive massagedevices may be uncomfortable if used on the face and principally targetthe underlying muscles. The present invention addresses the needsdiscussed herein.

The background description disclosed anywhere in this patent applicationincludes information that may be useful in understanding the presentinvention. It is not an admission that any of the information providedherein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, orthat any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided a vibration therapy device that includes a housing with ahandle portion and a head portion, an electrical source, a motorpositioned in the housing, a switch for activating the motor, a push rodassembly operatively connected to the motor, and a reciprocatingattachment. The push rod assembly includes an attachment member thatdefines the distal end of the push rod assembly. The attachment member(or the reciprocating attachment secured to the attachment member) isconfigured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor at alinear velocity between 0.06 m/s and 0.5 m/s. The attachment memberincludes a first magnet. The reciprocating attachment is removablyreceived on the attachment member. The reciprocating attachment includesa second magnet that is magnetically attracted to the first magnet tosecure the reciprocating attachment on the attachment member.

In a preferred embodiment, the reciprocating attachment includes anattachment member recess defined therein. The attachment member isreceived in the attachment member recess. The attachment member definesan attachment member diameter and the attachment member recess definesan attachment member recess diameter. The attachment member diameter issmaller than the attachment member recess diameter. The first and secondmagnets secure the reciprocating attachment on the attachment memberduring reciprocation. Preferably, a module seat is defined on the headportion and a ring module is removably secured to the module seat. Thering module includes a central opening that defines a central openingdiameter. The attachment member defines an attachment member diameter.The central opening diameter is larger than the attachment memberdiameter, such that the reciprocating attachment is configured toreciprocate within and relative to the ring module.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a therapy device that includes a housing that includes a handleportion, a head portion and a module seat defined on the head portion.The module seat includes a first set of magnets associated therewith(on, in or adjacent to the module seat). The module seat includes afirst securement protrusion extending therefrom and includes a firstsecurement recess defined therein. The therapy device also includes anelectrical source, and a therapy module removably secured to the moduleseat. The therapy module includes a second set of magnets that aremagnetically attracted to the first set of magnets. The therapy moduleincludes a second securement protrusion extending therefrom and includesa second securement recess defined therein. The first securementprotrusion is received in the second securement recess. The secondsecurement protrusion is received in the first securement recess. Thistype of therapy device may not include the reciprocating, vibration orpercussive feature.

In a preferred embodiment, one of the first securement protrusion andthe second securement recess includes female electrical contacts and theother of the first securement protrusion and second securement recessincludes male electrical contacts. Connection of the male electricalcontacts and female electrical contacts provides electricalcommunication between the electrical source and the therapy module. Thetherapy module may provide at least one of cold therapy, heat therapy,LED light therapy, microcurrent therapy, photobiomodulation therapy,radio frequency therapy, cleansing therapy or ultrasound therapy.

The therapy device may include a motor positioned in the housing, aswitch for activating the motor, and a push rod assembly operativelyconnected to the motor. The push rod assembly includes an attachmentmember that defines the distal end of the push rod assembly. The therapymodule includes a central opening defined therein, and the attachmentmember extends into the central opening. In a preferred embodiment, themale electrical contacts include four prongs. Two of the prongs provideelectrical communication and two of the prongs provide datacommunication.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a vibration therapy device that includes a housing thatincludes a handle portion and a head portion, an electrical source, amotor positioned in the housing,

a switch for activating the motor, a push rod assembly operativelyconnected to the motor and that includes a reciprocating shaft with anattachment member secured to its distal end, and a flexible sleeve thatincludes a proximal end and a distal end. The flexible sleeve at leastpartially surrounds the reciprocating shaft. The distal end of theflexible sleeve is secured to the attachment member and the proximal endof the flexible sleeve is secured to the housing.

The reciprocating shaft may include an opening in a distal end thereof.The attachment member may include a shaft that is received in theopening in the reciprocating shaft. The distal end of the flexiblesleeve may be secured between the distal end of the reciprocating shaftand the attachment member. The housing preferably includes a protrusiveportion. The proximal end of the flexible sleeve is secured by theprotrusive portion. The sleeve may include an annular ridge extendingtherefrom that is received in a groove in the housing.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a vibration therapy device that includes a housing thatincludes a handle portion, a head portion and a module seat defined onthe head portion, an electrical source,

a motor positioned in the housing, a switch for activating the motor,and a push rod assembly operatively connected to the motor. The moduleseat includes a first set of magnets. The push rod assembly includes anattachment member at a distal end thereof that is configured toreciprocate in response to activation of the motor. The attachmentmember includes a first magnet. The vibration therapy device alsoincludes a cleansing attachment removably received on the attachmentmember. The cleansing attachment includes a second magnet that ismagnetically attracted to the first magnet to secure the reciprocatingattachment on the attachment member. The cleansing attachment includes asecond set of magnets that are magnetically attracted to the first setof magnets to removably secure the cleansing attachment to the moduleseat. The cleansing attachment includes a central section, such thatwhen the attachment member reciprocates, the central section flexes.Preferably, the module seat includes a first securement protrusionextending therefrom and includes a first securement recess definedtherein, the cleansing attachment includes a second securementprotrusion extending therefrom and includes a second securement recessdefined therein and the first securement protrusion is received in thesecond securement recess, and wherein the second securement protrusionis received in the first securement recess.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a vibration therapy device that includes a housing thatincludes a handle portion, a head portion and a module seat defined onthe head portion, an electrical source, a motor positioned in thehousing, a switch for activating the motor, a push rod assemblyoperatively connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate inresponse to activation of the motor, and a therapy module removablysecured to the module seat. The distal end of the push rod assembly isconfigured to removably receive a reciprocating attachment thereon. Thetherapy module at least partially surrounds the distal end of the pushrod assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the push rod assembly includesan attachment member that defines the distal end of the push rodassembly. The therapy module is coaxial with the distal end of the pushrod assembly (e.g., the attachment member and/or the magnet seat), andat least a portion of the attachment member (e.g., the magnet member)extends into the therapy module.

In a preferred embodiment, the therapy module is in electricalcommunication with the electrical source (so that it can be powered)and/or is in data communication with the controller/processor of thedevice (so that it can be operated as desired). For electricalconnection, the module seat preferably includes a first electricalconnector (male or female), and wherein the therapy module includes asecond electrical connector (female or male) in electrical communicationwith the first electrical connector. In a preferred embodiment, the maleelectrical connector includes a plurality of prongs, two of which areused for the electrical connection or communication (positive voltageand negative voltage) and two of which are used for data or informationconnection or communication (control signal). The prongs are insertedinto the female electrical connector, which includes four openings forreceiving the four prongs. The therapy module may comprise a ring modulethat includes a central opening and an outer surface. When areciprocating attachment that includes a contact surface is removablyreceived on the distal end of the push rod assembly, the contact surfaceof the reciprocating attachment extends further from the module seatthan the outer surface of the ring module.

The therapy module may be a ring module that includes a plurality ofLED's therein or thereon. The LEDs are configured to operate at atreatment level only when the outer surface is less than a predetermineddistance from an operating surface. In a preferred embodiment, the ringmodule further includes at least first and second proximity sensors thatare positioned approximately 180° from one another within the ringmodule (e.g., on the PCB). The first and second proximity sensors areeach configured to activate the LEDs at the treatment level when theouter surface of the ring module is less than the predetermined distancefrom the operating surface.

The therapy module may comprise a cap module that includes a main bodyportion and a rear recess and where at least a portion of the attachmentmember extends into the rear recess. The cap module may include an anodeand a cathode and may be configured to provide micro-current therapy.The cap module may also be configured to be removably secured to themodule seat and the attachment member. In this embodiment, the capmodule may be removably secured to the module seat via magnets and/orone or more securement protrusions and recesses (that also help properlyalign the cap module).

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided avibration therapy system that includes a vibration therapy device, aring module that includes a central opening and that is configured to beremovably secured to the module seat, a cap module that includes a mainbody portion and a rear recess and that is configured to be removablysecured to the module seat, and a reciprocating attachment that isconfigured to be removably received on the attachment member. When thering module is removably secured to the module seat, the distal end ofthe push rod assembly extends into the central opening. When the capmodule is removably secured to the module seat, the distal end of thepush rod assembly extends into the rear recess. When the ring module isreceived on the module seat, the reciprocating attachment extendsthrough the central opening. When the ring module is received on themodule seat the attachment member can be reciprocated, and when the capmodule is received on the module seat the attachment member cannot bereciprocated.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided avibration therapy device that includes a housing that includes a handleportion and a head portion an electrical source, a motor positioned inthe housing, a switch for activating the motor, a push rod assemblyoperatively connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate inresponse to activation of the motor, and a reciprocating attachmentremovably secured to a distal end of the push rod assembly. Thereciprocating attachment includes a contact surface, and a skintreatment member is removably secured to the reciprocating attachmentsuch that a delivery portion at least partially covers the contactsurface. In a preferred embodiment, the reciprocating attachmentincludes a groove defined therein and at least a portion of the skintreatment member is received in the groove. Preferably, the skintreatment member includes a main body portion that, together with thedelivery portion, defines an attachment recess. At least one ridgemember extends inwardly from the main body portion into the attachmentrecess and is received in the groove on the reciprocating attachment. Ina preferred embodiment, the delivery portion includes a lotion or otherformulation thereon.

Described herein is a vibration therapy device that includesinterchangeable attachments that provide therapy to a user. Theinterchangeable attachments can include, for example, LED light therapy,micro-current, etc. Generally, the present invention is a vibrationtherapy device that includes LED lights thereon that can be used forskin therapy. LED skin therapy is known. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos.6,524,329 and 6,974,224, the entireties of which are incorporated byreference herein.

The present invention is a hand-held vibration facial massager orvibration therapy device that includes different therapy attachmentscompatible therewith. The hand-held device, which is intended to be usedon the face, but can also be used anywhere else on the body, combinesvibration therapy with other facial treatment technologies, including,but not limited to, LED light therapy, micro-current treatments andradio frequency skin technology.

As discussed below, the vibration therapy treatment can be delivered bya brushless motor-drive train system with the distal end of thereciprocating output shaft including an amplitude of preferably between2.0 mm and 8.0 mm. It will be appreciated that this small amplitude ofreciprocation is referred to herein as a vibrating movement orvibration, hence the phrase “vibration therapy device.” However, theamplitude can be anywhere between 1.0 mm and 25 mm. In a preferredembodiment, the amplitude is about 3.0 mm and the device provides theability to operate at at least three different frequencies, e.g., 1750(percussions per minute) ppm or 29 Hz, 2100 ppm or 35 Hz and 2400 ppm or40 Hz. However, the frequency can be anywhere between about 900 ppm or15 Hz and about 6000 ppm or 100 Hz. The combination of the about 3.0amplitude and the frequencies between 1750 ppm and 2400 ppm is optimizedfor the face. The percussive therapy provided with these specificationshelps reduce minor facial muscle pain and tension, helps reduce muscletension often associated with headaches (this includes muscles of face,neck, and head) and provides a facial massage to reduce tension andrelax facial muscles.

The removable or interchangeable vibration therapy attachment on the endof the output shaft can be any type of attachment (see, e.g., thepatents discussed above). In a preferred embodiment, the attachment is afoam/rubber attachment that is connected to the end of the shaft todeliver the vibration to the user's face. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.10,758,452, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention includes an attachment system to accommodateswappable or interchangeable rings or modules with different facialtreatment technologies. For example, the module can be a blue, red,amber and/or infrared LED light therapy light ring module or can be amodule that includes micro-current therapy, RF (radio frequency)therapy, heat, cold, electric stimulation and/or vibration (e.g., thetherapy module can include one or more motors or the like that providevibration, separate from the reciprocation of the reciprocatingattachment). As discussed below, in a preferred embodiment, the deviceincludes an electrical connection system to deliver electric power tothe ring or module and a magnet-based system to secure the ring ormodule in place.

In one preferred embodiment, the magnets are programmed or polymagnets.Polymagnets are magnetic structures that incorporate correlated patternsof magnets with alternating polarity, designed to achieve a desiredbehavior and deliver stronger local force. By varying the magneticfields and strengths, different mechanical behaviors can be controlled.Correlated magnet pairs can be programmed to attract or repel with aprescribed force and engagement distance, or, to attract or repel at acertain spatial orientation. Correlated magnets can be programmed tointeract only with other magnetic structures that have been coded torespond. As a result, a strong force can be used to hold the module onthe device, but a fairly weak force can be used for removing the module.For example, the user can rotate the module about the module's centralaxis to a predetermined point where the module can be easily removed.The polymagnets in the device can even repel the polymagnets in themodule at a certain rotation point, thus making removal of the modulevery easy. The polymagnets change properties based on the distance andposition of the magnets in the ring module and the device with respectto one another. This allows the locking and unlocking forces that theuser needs to apply to connect and disconnect the module from the deviceto be reduced compared to the use of regular magnets. For example: themagnets can repel each other when the distance between them is more thanone inch but if they are brought closer than one inch they attract eachother. Therefore, for example, at a first distance and a first degree ofrotation, the force required to secure the module or push the moduleinto place on the module seat (referred to herein as “attach themodule”) is X and at the first distance and a second degree of rotation,the force required to attach the module is Y, where Y is less than X. Todetach the module or pull it off the device, the force required may be Aat a first set of degrees of rotation and B at a second set of degreesof rotation, where A is less than B. For example, the first set ofdegrees of rotation may be 0° to 15° and the second set of degrees ofrotation may be 16° to 360°. Therefore, when the module or attachment isrotated to an angle between 0° to 15° it is easy to remove. At any otherangle it is difficult for the user to remove.

In a preferred embodiment, the device and/or system also includes asoftware application downloadable to a portable electronic device thatincludes the ability to control the treatment and build differentprotocols via Bluetooth and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the device and/or the therapy module includesa proximity sensor that detects the distance between the device and theuser's face so that the therapy or treatment can be modifiedaccordingly. For example, the light ring module can include one or moreproximity sensors so that the LED lights can be dimmed and/or turned offwhen the device is pulled away from the user's skin and is not within apredetermined distance (i.e., when the ring is far enough from theuser's face that no treatment is being provided). This may be done tosave battery, for eye safety purposes or for other skin safety issues orconcerns.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle forms an angle of about 120degrees with the attachment arm or output shaft to avoid blocking theuser's view during treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the housingincludes a female charging jack for receiving a male connector andcharging the battery. The device also includes one or more buttons orswitches for controlling the device (e.g., on/off, speed control, changecolor of LEDs, etc.) and LEDs that provide indication of differentfunctions, such as battery power or speed setting, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration therapy device includes amotor, battery, housing, and push rod assembly with a reciprocatingshaft. The reciprocating shaft includes a male or female attachmentmember on the end thereof to which a massage or vibration attachment(that includes a corresponding female or male attachment member thereon)can be attached. In a preferred embodiment, the massage attachment issecured to the vibration therapy device using magnets. When the deviceis used with a ring module or attachment vibration attachment extendsthrough the center of the ring. Any type of attaching or securingarrangement between the massage attachment and the vibration therapydevice is within the scope of the invention. In a preferred embodiment,the amplitude is between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, which is smallerthan many percussive massage devices. However, in another embodiment,the amplitude can be greater and between 1 mm and 26 mm or more.

In a preferred embodiment, the motor converts power from the powersource into motion. In some embodiments, the motor is an electric motor.The electric motor may be any type of electric motor known in the art,including, but not limited to, a brushed motor, a brushless motor, adirect current (DC) motor, an alternating current (AC) motor, amechanical-commutator motor, an electronic commutator motor, or anexternally commutated motor. In a preferred embodiment, the motor is abrushless direct-current (BLDC) motor. Preferably, the percussivemassage device includes a voltage-sensing resistor electrically coupledto the BLDC motor and a controller.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration therapy device includes aremovable light ring therapy module that surrounds the massage orreciprocating attachment. In a preferred embodiment, the light ringmodule includes a plurality of lights (e.g., LED's). Preferably, thelight ring module is electrically connected to the vibration therapydevice when it is attached thereto so that the battery powers thelights. The light ring module includes a central opening that at leastpartially surrounds the reciprocating attachment.

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of different ring modules areincluded either separately or sold as a kit with the vibration therapydevice. For example, separate ring modules can include lights withdifferent wavelengths (e.g., red LEDs on one ring and blue LEDs onanother). In another embodiment, lights with different wavelengths canbe included on the same ring (e.g., blue and red LEDs on the same ring).The rings are interchangeable. The rings can be different sizes. Each ofthe ring modules can provide different functions or features. Some ofthe features can be used in conjunction with the vibration therapymassage attachment and others can be used with a massage attachmentattached to the device. For example, the ring modules can include(either individually or in combination) heat, vibrations, electrodes forelectrolysis and/or emitting electromagnetic pulses. As a result, themain device acts as a power source for powering all of the differentring modules and the therapy modules that cover the attachment memberwhere the reciprocating attachment is seated. Therefore, the connectedring module can be used in conjunction with the reciprocating attachmentor without the reciprocating attachment (e.g., with the attachmentremoved), so the outer surface of the ring module can be placed againstthe user's skin, if necessary for the type of treatment beingadministered.

In another embodiment, the LEDs and/or one or more of any of the othertreatments or discussed herein (e.g., micro-current, temperature,cleansing, etc.) can be part of the vibration therapy device and notremovable. In a preferred embodiment, the control center or userinterface includes an up button, a down button and a select button,which can be used for scrolling or toggling through various modes, goingup or down in intensity or mode and selecting the modes or modules orturning different functions (vibration, light, micro-current, etc.) onor off

It will be appreciated that the vibration therapy device together withthe therapy module and reciprocating attachment may be referred toherein as a vibration therapy system.

In a preferred embodiment, the light ring module (or other ring module)includes alignment or securement recesses defined in a rear side thereofthat receive the securement protrusions. Magnet members are positionedin the ring and adjacent the securement recesses. It will be appreciatedthat the magnet members associated with the securement recesses aremagnetically attracted to the securement protrusions.

In a preferred embodiment, the motor is preferably attached to a motormount bracket that secures the motor to the housing. Preferably, themotor mount bracket includes a middle member having first and secondopposite sides. The motor is positioned on the first side and theeccentric weight is positioned on the second side of the middle member.The push rod assembly comprises an L-shaped or curved connector or pushrod (connected to the eccentric weight) and the reciprocating shaft(with pivotal connections therebetween). The middle member includes ashaft opening defined therein. The motor includes a rotatable motorshaft extending therefrom that extends from the first side of the middlemember, through the shaft opening and to the second side of the middlemember. In a preferred embodiment, the motor mount bracket includes abattery bracket portion extending therefrom that secures the battery inplace.

Generally, when the therapy module is attached, the head portion of thevibration therapy device includes two concentric attachment rings, theinner one for the reciprocation or massage attachment (e.g., siliconevibration head) and the outer one for the therapy modules (e.g., LED,Micro-current etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the male attachment alsoincludes magnets for attachment (or similar attachment mechanism) andcan also include an electrical connection similar to the outer ring.Therefore, a single attachment that covers both the outer and inner partcan be used that attaches to male attachment and securement protrusions,for example to accommodate more LEDs.

In another preferred embodiment, the reciprocating attachment canincludes hooks for securing a microfiber material on the reciprocatingattachment that can be used on the user's face or other body part forthe vibration therapy treatment. The microfiber material is secured onboth sides and under the reciprocating attachment and stretches acrossthe top contact surface of the reciprocating attachment. The microfibermaterial can include lotion therein for treating the persons' skin.

It will be appreciated that different types of massage or reciprocatingattachments can be used on the vibration therapy device. As discussedherein, one or more of the reciprocating attachments can include agroove extending therearound for attachment of a treatment member (fortreating the user's skin). Another massage attachment can include a coneportion or be cone shaped. Another massage attachment can include a softportion and a harder portion that are connected by velcro. Anothermassage attachment can include a plurality of spikes or needles thatprovide a microneedling type treatment.

The present invention is a handheld device that helps to reduce tension,relax facial muscles, and achieve healthier-looking skin by gentlystimulating the face. The system includes microcurrent, blue, red, andred+infrared light LED, and cleansing treatments, allowing a user tocustomize their facial therapy in one easy-to-use versatile device. Thevariety of treatment rings can be used to help lift, tone, rejuvenate,and deep clean.

It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that percussivetherapy is the rapid and repetitive application of pressureperpendicular to the body. The percussive stimulus of the device causesthe targeted tissues to experience both pressure and vibration stimulisimultaneously. We know that these stimuli have therapeutic benefitsrelated to reduced tension, pain relief, and increased circulation. Thepercussive therapy of the present invention has been optimized for theface through a reduced amplitude (compared to the prior art).

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also referred to as “phototherapy” or “lighttherapy”, utilizes non-ionizing forms of light sources including LASERS,LEDs, and broadband light, in the visible and near-infrared spectrum.This non-thermal process (no heat) allows light energy to penetrate theskin leading to changes at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels ofthe body. LED (light emitting diode) therapy is a skincare treatment forseveral conditions that uses varying wavelengths of light, including redand blue, to stimulate the skin and tissue beneath. In a preferredembodiment, the red light has a wavelength of 633 nm±10 nm and a powerdensity of 78±5%. Red light is intended to reduce periorbital wrinkles(the wrinkles around the eyes). In a preferred embodiment, the bluelight has a wavelength of 415 nm±10 nm and a power density of 50±5%.Blue Light is intended to reduce mild to moderate acne. In a preferredembodiment, the red +infrared light has wavelengths of 633±10 nm/830nm±10 nm and power densities of 78±5%/55±5%. Red+infrared light therapyis intended to provide therapeutic warming to temporarily reduce painand discomfort and is intended to reduce periorbital wrinkles (thewrinkles around the eyes).

Microcurrent therapy utilizes low-level electrical voltage to stimulatemuscles, primarily of the face. This stimulation acts as a workout thatoften results in the temporary tightening, toning, or contouring of thetargeted muscles which often leads to the appearance of reducedwrinkles, especially on the forehead region. In a preferred embodiment,the present invention provides microcurrent with a pulsed biphasicwaveform, a pulse frequency of 8 Hz and settings of 11 μA, 300 μA, 500μA. In use, the microcurrent firms and tightens the skin and improvesmuscle tone and contour in the face/neck. The microcurrent therapymodule can be used with a conductive gel.

Cryotherapy or cold therapy, is a process where the body is exposed tolow temperatures for therapeutic purposes, resulting in the reduction ofblood flow to a particular area leading to decreased local tissuetemperatures, and/or the regulation of gene expression. While this iscommonly done through the use of liquid nitrogen or ice for full bodycryotherapy, local cryotherapy is able to be achieved through abattery-powered device via a process called thermoelectric cooling. In apreferred embodiment, the cold ring or crytherapy may be provided atthree different temperatures (i.e., the user can toggle betweentemperatures using controls). Preferably, the temperatures are 26°C./78° F., 22° C./71° F. and 18° C./65° F. Cold therapy is intended todecrease pain, decreases muscle spasms, and decrease inflammation.

Thermotherapy or heat therapy, is a process where the body is exposed tohigh temperatures for therapeutic purposes, resulting in increased bloodflow to a particular area leading to increased local tissuetemperatures. Local thermotherapy is able to be achieved through abattery-powered device via a process called thermoelectric heating. In apreferred embodiment, the heat ring or thermotherapy may be provided atthree different temperatures (i.e., the user can toggle betweentemperatures using controls). Preferably, the temperatures are 35°C./95° F., 39° C./102° F., 43° C./109° F. Heat therapy is intended todecrease pain, decrease muscle spasms, decreases tension, and increasesblood flow.

The inventive device and system may provide any or all of the treatmentdiscussed herein, such as percussive or vibration therapy, PBM, lighttherapy, microcurrent therapy, cryotherapy and/or thermotherapy.

In a preferred embodiment, the massage attachment is secured to thevibration therapy device via magnets. Preferably, a magnet is includedin the massage attachment and a complementary magnet is included in theattachment member. It will be appreciated that the low amplitude ofabout 3.0 mm allows the magnetic connection between the magnet in theattachment member on the end of the push rod assembly to remain securedin place during reciprocation and use of the device. With a higheramplitude (or linear velocity), the massage attachment may disconnectduring use. The amplitude combined with the frequencies or speedsdiscussed herein allows for magnetic securement of the attachmentmember. Therefore, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the about 3.0 mm amplitude coupled with the frequencies of1750 ppm, 2100 ppm and 2400 ppm provides beneficial results when used onthe face, as described herein, and allows the magnetically connectedattachment member to be secured to the end of the push rod assembly.

An amplitude as low as 0.5 mm provides a vibrating stimulus when used onthe face. The inventors have determined that 3.0 mm provides beneficialresults. This amplitude, combined with the different attachments (shapeand density), was found to be comfortable, but also provides a relativeintensity for the face. Therefore, this percussive force is optimizedfor use on the delicate features of the face.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides dual therapiessimultaneously, the first being percussion and the other being LED lighttherapy, hot or cold therapy or others discussed herein. It will beappreciated that the percussion therapy can also be varied based on thetype of massage attachment (e.g., micropoint) that is secured to the endof the push rod assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration therapy device includes awaterproofing feature for preventing moisture from getting in throughwhere the push rod assembly extends outside of the housing. Preferably,a sleeve (e.g., a silicone sleeve) surrounds the portion of thereciprocating shaft that extends outside of the housing so that it isnot exposed. The sleeve is secured within the attachment member at oneend and inside the protrusive portion of the housing on the other end.The sleeve is secured at both ends and can flex or move as thereciprocating shaft reciprocates. This provides water resistance to thedevice.

Other therapy modules are within the scope of the present invention. Forexample, one type of therapy modules may include an LED module that is acap module and does not include a central opening for percussion.Another therapy module may include one or more skin scanning sensorsthat can be used for oil detection and/or moisture detection associatedwith the user's skin. Other therapy modules may include ultrasound orultrasonic facial treatment or radio frequency treatment for facialrejuvenation. The radio frequency module can be used to help with skintightness and wrinkles. The ultrasonic module can be used to help withlymphatic drainage, blood flow and muscle toning. The scanning modulecan be used to detect moisture and oil levels and to personalizeprotocols and track progress. All of these modules can be either ringmodules or cap modules and can be configured the same as or similar toany of the other therapy modules disclosed herein.

It will be appreciated that all components and feature on the differentembodiments shown herein are interchangeable with the components andfeatures of any of the other embodiments discloses herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vibration therapy system and device inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vibration therapy device with thetherapy module and reciprocating attachment exploded therefrom;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the vibration therapy device;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration therapy device;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the vibration therapydevice taken along 5-5 of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the vibration therapydevice showing the securement protrusions and securement recesses withthe electrical connection and magnetic connection;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the light ring module;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the light ring module;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the vibration therapy device with themicro-current cap module thereon;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vibration therapy device with themicro-current cap module exploded therefrom;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a micro-current cap module;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cleansing attachment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vibration therapy device with atreatment member exploded therefrom;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the therapy member;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the therapy member on thereciprocating attachment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the therapy member in packaging withthe lid partially peeled back;

FIG. 17A is a view showing the user interface and display with the lightring module symbol and vibration symbol illuminated;

FIG. 17B is a view showing the user interface and display with the heatring module symbol and battery symbol illuminated;

FIG. 17C is a view showing the user interface and display with themicro-current cap module symbol illuminated;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a vibration therapy device in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cross-section of a portion of the vibration therapy deviceof FIG. 18 with a reciprocating attachment exploded therefrom;

FIG. 20 is perspective view of a portion of the vibration therapy deviceshowing the flexible sleeve that provides water resistance;

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the cleansing attachment; and

FIG. 22 is a cross-section of the cleansing attachment.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodimentin the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments. If a component is not shown in a drawing then this providessupport for a negative limitation in the claims stating that thatcomponent is “not” present. However, the above statement is not limitingand in another embodiment, the missing component can be included in aclaimed embodiment.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “apreferred embodiment” or any other phrase mentioning the word“embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the-disclosure and also means that anyparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith one embodiment can be included in any embodiment or can be omittedor excluded from any embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternativeembodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, variousfeatures are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments andnot by others and may be omitted from any embodiment. Furthermore, anyparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein may beoptional. Similarly, various requirements are described which may berequirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments. Whereappropriate any of the features discussed herein in relation to oneaspect or embodiment of the invention may be applied to another aspector embodiment of the invention. Similarly, where appropriate any of thefeatures discussed herein in relation to one aspect or embodiment of theinvention may be optional with respect to and/or omitted from thataspect or embodiment of the invention or any other aspect or embodimentof the invention discussed or disclosed herein.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted.

It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than oneway. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for anyone or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is tobe placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein.Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or moresynonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examplesanywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussedherein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit thescope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term.Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given inthis specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,”“bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,”“inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease ofdescription and refer to the orientation of the components as shown inthe figures. It should be understood that any orientation of thecomponents described herein is within the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustratingthe present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, thedrawings show a vibration therapy system 10 that includes a vibrationtherapy device 12, one or more reciprocating attachments 19 and one ormore therapy modules 11. The reciprocating attachments can havedifferent shapes. The therapy modules 11 can have different shapes andinclude different types of therapy, such as light, micro-current, heat,cold, vibration, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 , generally the vibration therapy device includesa housing 13 (two housing halves 13 a and 13 b are shown in FIG. 3 ), ahandle portion 14, a head portion 15 and a switch 16 for activating themotor 17. FIGS. 1-8 show the vibration therapy device 12 with a therapymodule 11 that is referred to herein as a ring module 18 (due to itsshape with a central opening 18 a) and a reciprocating attachment 19. Asshown in FIG. 3 , in a preferred embodiment, the vibration therapydevice 12 includes an electrical source, such as a battery 20,positioned in the handle portion 14, the motor 17 positioned in the headportion 15, and a push rod assembly 21 operatively connected to themotor 17 and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of themotor 17.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotation of the motor shaft 22 isconverted to reciprocating motion of the push rod assembly 21. It willbe appreciated that the push rod assembly includes any set of componentsfor converting the rotation motion of the motor to reciprocating motionof the massage or reciprocating attachment. As shown in FIGS. 3-5 , in apreferred embodiment, the push rod assembly 21 includes a push rod 23that is pivotably connected to a reciprocating shaft 24 (see pivot pin25), and an attachment member 26 that is operatively connected to thereciprocating shaft 24. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft 26 a of theattachment member extends into and is connected within (via threads,friction fit, interference fit, etc.) an opening 24 a defined in thereciprocating shaft 24. The distal end of the attachment member 26(which is also the distal end of the push rod assembly 21) removablyreceives the reciprocating attachment 19. It will be appreciated thatthe term push rod assembly used herein includes any of the drive traincomponents discussed herein or combinations thereof, e.g., push rod 23,reciprocating shaft 24 and attachment member 26 or the like that providereciprocating motion and include the reciprocating attachment on thedistal end thereof. The push rod assembly also includes the attachmentmember 26 (and any related components, such as the magnet describedbelow) or any other connector at the end of the reciprocating componentsthat allows connection of a reciprocating attachment to be used formassage or therapy.

Preferably, the drive train also includes a counterweight member 28between the motor shaft 22 and the push rod 23. The motor shaft 22 isreceived in an opening in the counterweight member 28 and an offsetshaft 29 extends from the counterweight member 28 and is received in anopening in the push rod 23. The reciprocating shaft 24 extends throughthe bush 31 and bush holding structure 33.

In a preferred embodiment, the motor 17 is secured to a motor mount 30that includes a plurality of feet 32 that are secured to the housing 13via threaded fasteners or the like that extend through openings in thefeet 32. Dampening rings 34 and dampening washers can also be included.All dampening components herein are made of rubber, silicone or the likeand are provided to prevent plastic to plastic or plastic to metalcontact and to reduce noise and vibration.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment member 26 includes the shaft26 a and a magnet seat 26 b. The magnet seat 26 b includes a magnet 27received therein or otherwise operatively associated therewith. As shownin FIG. 3 , the housing 13 includes a cap portion 35 that includes themodule seat 50 and a protrusive portion 36. The attachment member 26extends through an opening in the cap portion such that the magnet seat26 b is located outside of the housing 13, and particularly, theprotrusive portion 36 of the housing 13. As described above, The distalend of the attachment member 26 (the magnet seat 26 b) removablyreceives the reciprocating attachment 19. In a preferred embodiment, themagnet 27 in the attachment member is magnetically attracted to a magnet27 in the reciprocating attachment 19 or other component placed on theattachment member 26. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary reciprocating attachment19 including the main body portion 19 a, inner support portion 19 b andmagnet 27.

As shown in FIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment, the head portion 15includes a module seat 50 that removably receives the therapy modules11. As shown in FIG. 6 , the vibration therapy system 10 includes anattachment system 44 for properly aligning or mounting and attaching orsecuring the various therapy modules 11 on the module seat 50, as wellas providing electrical connection or communication (if needed) betweenthe therapy modules 11 and the vibration therapy device 12. In apreferred embodiment, the attachment system 44 includes magneticattraction between the module seat 50 and therapy module 11 and includesone or more complementary securement protrusions 48 and securementrecesses 54 extending or protruding from the module seat 50 and/or theback of the therapy module 11. The securement protrusions are receivedin the securement recesses. The attachment system 44 provides theability to accommodate the swappable or interchangeable therapy modules11 (e.g., ring module 18) with different facial treatment technologies.FIG. 6 also shows the central opening diameter D1 of the central opening18 a of the ring module 18 and the reciprocating attachment diameter D2of the reciprocating attachment 19. As shown, the central openingdiameter D1 is larger than the reciprocating attachment diameter D2,such that the reciprocating attachment 19 is configured to reciprocatewithin and relative to the ring module 18.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7 , in a preferred embodiment, one securementprotrusion 48 extends from the back of the therapy module 11 and onesecurement recess 54 is defined in the module seat 50. Also, onesecurement recess 54 is defined in the back of the therapy module 11 andone securement protrusion extends from the module seat 50. In apreferred embodiment, at least one of the securement protrusions and atleast one of the securement recess include one or more magnet members 52associated therewith that are magnetically attracted to one another,that help secure the ring module 18 (or other therapy module 11) ontothe module seat 50 and the vibration therapy device 12. One, two or moremagnet members can be included. The magnet members 52 are located withinthe housing of the therapy module (see, e.g., FIGS. 5 and 2 ) and withinthe housing of the head portion and adjacent to or below the module seat50 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5 and 19 ). Sets of complementary magnets 52 may bepositioned around the base of the therapy module 11 and the module seat50. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the module seat 50 includesa first set of six magnets 52 associated therewith and each therapymodule 11 includes a second set of magnets 52 associated therewith thatare magnetically attracted to the first set of magnets in or associatedwith the module seat 50. A set can be any number of magnets between1-25.

In a preferred embodiment, the system includes an electrical connectionsystem 58 between the vibration therapy device 12 and the therapy module11. In a preferred embodiment, the therapy module 11 includes maleelectrical contacts 60 extending therefrom (see FIGS. 6 and 10 ) and themodule seat 50 includes complementary female electrical contacts 62.Power is supplied from the battery 20, through the male and femaleelectrical contacts and to the LEDs or other powered components. It willbe appreciated that the male and female electrical contacts can bereversed. In a preferred embodiment, the male or female electricalcontacts are associated with one of the securement recesses 54 and oneof the securement protrusions 48. In the embodiment shown in thedrawings, the securement protrusion 48 that extends from the back of thetherapy module 11 is a magnetic securement protrusion and the securementrecess 54 that is defined in the module seat 50 is a magnetic securementrecess. Furthermore, the securement recess 54 that is defined in theback of the therapy module 11 is an electrical securement recess (andincludes male electrical contacts) and the securement protrusion 48 thatextends from the module seat 50 is an electrical securement protrusion(and includes female electrical contacts).

As shown in FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment, the handle portion 14forms an angle of about 120 degrees with the reciprocating shaft 24 toavoid blocking the user's view during treatment. Anywhere between 90degrees and 180 degrees is within the scope of the invention. In anotherembodiment, the head portion can be rotatable and/or pivotable and/orswivelable with respect to the handle portion 14.

FIG. 8 shows the components of the light ring module 18 including theprinted circuit board 37 including the LEDs 38 and proximity sensors 39.In a preferred embodiment, the proximity sensors 39 are positionedapproximately 180° from another. With respect to 180°, approximatelymeans within 10°. However, they can be positioned anywhere around thering. The proximity sensors 39 are provided so that LED lights in thelight module only turn on (or go from dimmed to “treatment level” or offto “treatment level”) when they are less than a predetermined distancefrom or the lens is in contact with the user's face or skin. In apreferred embodiment, one proximity sensor 39 is located at about twelveo'clock on the PCB and the other is located at about six o'clock. Inuse, after activating the light ring module, the lights remain off or ina dimmed state until the front surface of the module is placed within apredetermined distance of the user's face, at which point the lightsbrighten to a treatment level (where the lights will be effective forthe desired treatment—e.g., red LED treatment, blue LED treatment orinfrared). Preferably, the proximity sensors are programmed such thatthey only determine the proximity at intervals or at a predeterminedfrequency (e.g., every one second) so that the lights are not turning onand off every time the device is pulled away from the face or angledduring use on the face such that the proximity sensor is out of range.Any type of proximity sensor can be used. In a preferred embodiment, theproximity sensor emits a beam that is reflected by the user's face. Thesensor determines the distance with the face based on the time (orfrequency) for the beam returning from the user's skin after reflection.It will be appreciated that by having two proximity sensors 180° apart,as long as one is within the predetermined range of distance from theskin (operating surface), the lights will not dim or turn off (or go toa point that is less than the desired treatment level or intensity ofthe lights).

As shown in FIG. 8 , in a preferred embodiment, the light ring moduleincludes a housing portion 40, PCB 37, cover or lens 41 and a lightdirection member 42 that includes a plurality of openings 43 definedtherein. The openings 43 are each aligned with an LED 38 and provide atunnel so that the light beams emitted from each of the LEDs aredirected generally parallel to one another and, therefore, generallyperpendicular to the cover 41 and the user's skin as the device is used.This helps prevent the light from shining outwardly and into the user'seyes during use. The ring module includes the central opening 18 a andan outer surface 41 a. As shown in FIG. 5 , in a preferred embodiment,the contact surface 19 c of the reciprocating attachment 19 extendsfurther from the module seat 50 than the outer surface 41 a of the ringmodule 18. Other types of ring modules with other therapies are in thescope of the present invention.

FIGS. 9-11 show another type of therapy module 11 referred to generallyherein as a cap module and more specifically (for this particularmodule) as a micro-current cap module 118 that covers the magnet seat 26b of the attachment member 26. The micro-current cap module 118 includesa main body portion 70 and a rear recess 72 defined therein thatreceives the attachment member 26 when the micro-current cap module 118is fitted on the module seat 50. The rear recess 72 may also be referredto herein as the central opening because regardless of the type oftherapy module (cap or ring) that is received on the module seat, theattachment member 26 extends into the central opening (or rear recess).The micro-current cap module 118 shown in FIGS. 9-11 includesmicro-current therapy. However, different cap modules can include othertherapies. Micro-current therapy can also be included in a ring module.The micro-current cap module 118 includes first and second terminals oran anode and cathode 120. This module includes an electrical connectionand magnetic attraction just like the ring module 18 described above. Aswill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, when theanode and cathode 120 are placed against a user's skin, an electricalconnection is created and micro-current is transmitted into the user'sskin to provide micro-current treatment.

FIGS. 12, 21 and 22 shows another type of cap module referred to hereinas a cleansing cap module or cleansing attachment 74 that includes aplurality of bristles 76 thereon. The cleansing attachment 74 includes amain body portion 70 and recess that receives the attachment member 26when the cleansing attachment 74 is fitted on the module seat 50. Thecleansing attachment 74 may also include (but preferably does notinclude) an electrical connection just like the ring module 18 describedabove. The cleansing attachment 74 preferably also includes a magnet 27therein that is magnetically attracted to and connects to the magnet 27in the attachment member 26. In a preferred embodiment, the main bodyportion 70 preferably includes the complementary securement protrusion48 and recess 54, like the other therapy modules 11, that mate with thesecurement protrusion 48 and recess 54 on the module seat 50. Therefore,the cleansing cap module is configured to be removably secured to boththe attachment member 26 (e.g., via magnets) and to the module seat 50(e.g., via the complementary securement protrusions and recesses and setof magnets 52).

In a preferred embodiment, the cleansing attachment 74 includes acentral section 76 that is flexible (for example, it may be made ofsilicone, rubber or other flexible material). Therefore, during use,when the attachment member 26 reciprocates, the central section 78flexes. In other words, because the magnets 52 are holding the base ofthe main body portion 70 on and against the module seat 50, the centralsection 78 flexes and moves with each stroke of the attachment member26. Therefore, the base of the main body portion 70 remains magneticallysecured to the module seat 50 while the attachment member 26reciprocates against the central section 78, therefore moving orpercussing the central section 78 and the bristles 76 thereof againstthe user's skin. Essentially, the central section 78 is a flexiblemembrane that moves with the reciprocating attachment member 26. Asshown in FIG. 22 , the cleansing attachment 74 includes a groove 80between the inner bristles 76 associated with the central section 78 andthe outer bristles 76 that are located radially outwardly from thecentral section 78. The inner bristles move with the central section 146and the outer generally bristles remain stationary during reciprocation.A cleansing formulation can be placed on the bristles 76 during use.

In another embodiment, the magnets 52 around the base can be omitted andthe entire cleansing attachment 74 can reciprocate. The complementarysecurement protrusions and recesses can also be omitted since connectionis made between the central magnet 27 and the magnet in the attachmentmember 26.

FIGS. 13-16 show a preferred embodiment system for attaching a componentwith microfiber material thereon (referred to herein as a skin treatmentmember 88) to the reciprocating attachment 19. In a preferredembodiment, the skin treatment member 88 includes lotion or some type ofskin treatment ointment or fluid thereon and, therefore, is packaged ina pod member 90 that includes a container portion 92 and a lid 94. In apreferred embodiment, the skin treatment member 88 includes a generallyring shaped main body portion 96 and a delivery portion 98 that ispreferably made of microfiber and includes the lotion thereon.

In a preferred embodiment, the skin treatment member 88 is attachable orsecurable to the reciprocating attachment 19. Preferably, the main bodyportion 96 includes one or more ridge members 100 on the inside surfacethereof and extending inwardly that are received in one or more grooves102 defined in the outer surface of the reciprocating attachment 19. Theskin treatment member 88 preferably also includes a handle or tab 106extending from the main body portion 96 that aids with attachment andremoval of the skin treatment member 88 from the reciprocatingattachment 19. In use, the skin treatment member 88 is removed from thepod member 90 (by peeling back the lid 94) and the treatment member isplaced or seated on the reciprocating attachment 19. It will beappreciated that the main body portion 96 is made of a flexible material(such as plastic) so the ridge members 100 flex over the reciprocatingattachment 19 and snap into the groove 102 on the outer surface of thereciprocating attachment. The delivery portion stretches across or spansthe top or outer contact surface of the reciprocating attachment 19. Thedelivery portion 98 is then placed against the user's face and thedevice is activated such that the reciprocating attachment 19 (alsoreferred to herein as a mallet) with the treatment member 88 thereonvibrates or percusses against the user's skin. After user, the use canpull on the tab 106 to separate the treatment member 88 from the mallet19. As shown in FIG. 11 , the skin treatment member 88 can be placed onthe mallet 19 when the ring module 18 is on the device. Therefore, theLED light therapy can be used simultaneously with the vibration therapyand the treatment member therapy. The groove 102 is preferably locatedfurther from the module seat 50 than the outer surface 41 a or outsideof the ring module so that the skin treatment member 88 secured in thegroove can reciprocate outside of the ring module.

FIGS. 17A-17C show a control center 108 (or user interface—UI) thatincludes a display screen 110 and one or more buttons and/or switchesthat can be used for controlling the device 12 and the various therapymodules 11. The buttons can control different modes, differentintensities, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the control center includesdisplay screen 110, motor toggle button 126 (for toggling throughdifferent frequencies or speeds for the attachment member 26 and anyreciprocating attachment thereon), module toggle button 128 (fortoggling through different intensities or options for the therapymodules electrically connected to the device) and a power switch 16.FIG. 17A shows the display screen 110 with the motor speed level 112 atthe top and the therapy module level 114 (with the light ring modulesymbol thereon) at the bottom. FIG. 17B shows the display screen 110with the battery level 116 at the top and the therapy module level 114(with the heat ring module symbol thereon) at the bottom. FIG. 17C showsthe display screen 110 with nothing on the top and the therapy modulelevel 114 (with the micro-current symbol thereon) at the bottom. Othersymbols and the like that can be shown in the display screen includeBluetooth. It will be appreciated that the control center 108 is in datacommunication with the controller and associated components forcontrolling the device 12. Preferably, the device can recognize, senseor determine what type of therapy module has been seated on andelectrically connected to the device. The information or data regardingthe type of module is preferably communicated through the two prongsallocated for data communication. This allows the module toggle button128 to toggle through the modes of the proper module and for the propertherapy module level to be displayed on display 110. Furthermore, inuse, when a cap module (e.g., micro-current module 118) is seated on themodule seat and electrically connected to the device, the motor is notactivated (to reciprocate the attachment member) because the attachmentmember and magnet seat is located inside the cap module. This preventsthe attachment member 26 from reciprocating within the cap module. Whena ring module is seated on the device, the motor can be activated sothat the reciprocating attachment can reciprocate within the centralopening of the ring module.

It will be appreciated that all or some of the components discussedherein can be contained, sold or distributed in a kit. In other words,the vibration therapy system can be provided to users as a kit (e.g.,within a case, box, bag or the like). The kit can include the vibrationtherapy device, one or more reciprocating attachments and one or moretherapy modules. For example, an exemplary kit includes the device, thelight ring module, the micro-current cap module, the reciprocatingattachment with the groove therearound and charger all within a case orcontainer.

FIGS. 18-20 show another preferred embodiment of the vibration therapydevice 12. All disclosure related to other embodiments herein is alsorelevant to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-20 . As shown in FIG. 19 ,in a preferred embodiment, the reciprocating attachment 19 includes anattachment member recess 130 defined therein. The attachment member 26is received in the attachment member recess 130. The attachment member26 defines an attachment member diameter D3 and the attachment memberrecess 130 defines an attachment member recess diameter D4. Theattachment member diameter D3 is smaller than the attachment memberrecess diameter D4, which allows the reciprocating attachment 19 to bereceived on the attachment member 26. Also, the first and second magnets27 in the attachment member and the reciprocating attachment 19 securethe reciprocating attachment 19 on the attachment member 26. The firstand second magnets 27 are strong enough to hold the reciprocatingattachment 19 on the attachment member 26 during reciprocation, and, inparticular, with the reciprocation occurring in the any of the frequencyand amplitude ranges discussed herein. In particular, the magnetsprevent the reciprocating attachment 19 from disconnecting from theattachment member 26 during reciprocation. In a preferred embodiment,the amplitude range is between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm and in a more preferredembodiment, the amplitude range is between 2 mm and 4 mm. In a mostpreferred embodiment, the amplitude range is between 2.9 mm and 3.1 mm.Preferably, the frequency is between 25 Hz and 45 Hz when operating atany of the amplitudes (or strokes) discussed herein. These figures canalso be framed in terms of linear velocity, which depends on thedistance traveled by an object with respect to time taken. The linearequation or the linear velocity formula is given by v=x/t, where,v=linear velocity, x=distance covered and t=time taken to cover thedistance(x). Linear velocity is often measured using SI unit meter persecond or m/s. It will be appreciated that, in a preferred embodiment,at speeds or frequencies between 1700 rpm/28.3 Hz, 1750 rpm/29.2 Hz,2100 rpm/35 Hz, 2400 rpm/40 Hz and 3000 rpm/50 Hz and an amplitude ofbetween 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm, the linear velocity is between 0.06 m/s and0.5 m/s. In a more preferred embodiment, the linear velocity is between0.11 m/s and 0.4 m/s.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration therapy device 12 includes aflexible sleeve 132 that includes a sleeve portion 134, an annularflange 136, a central opening 138, an annular ridge 140 and proximal anddistal ends 132 a and 132 b respectively. As shown in FIG. 19 , theflexible sleeve 132 surrounds the distal end of the reciprocating shaft24. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end of the flexible sleeve 132b is secured to the attachment member 26 and the proximal end of theflexible sleeve 132 a is secured to and/or within the housing 13 or acomponent thereof. The flexible sleeve 132 provides water resistance andhelps prevent moisture from getting into the housing interior.

As discussed above, the reciprocating shaft 24 includes an opening 24 athat receives the shaft 26 a of the attachment member 26. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 19 , the interior of opening 24 a and theexterior of shaft 26 a include complementary threading to secure theshaft 26 a within the opening 24 a. In a preferred embodiment, thedistal end of the flexible sleeve 132 b is secured between the distalend of the reciprocating shaft and the attachment member 26, and, moreparticularly, the distal end of the flexible sleeve 132 b extends intoopening 24 a and is secured between the inner surface of the opening 24a and the outer surface of shaft 26 a. As discussed above, the housingincludes a protrusive portion 36 that is part of cap 35. Each of thehousing halves 13 a and 13 b include part of a nose portion 142 thatincludes an annular groove 144 defined therein. The annular groove 144receives the annular ridge 140 that extends downwardly from the annularflange 136 of the flexible sleeve 132, as is best shown in FIG. 19 . thehousing includes a protrusive portion, wherein the proximal end of theflexible sleeve is secured by the protrusive portion. As shown in FIG.19 , the proximal end of the flexible sleeve 132 a (which is part of theannular flange 136) is sandwiched between the protrusive portion 36 andthe nose portion 142.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or pluralnumber may also include the plural or singular number respectively. Theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of thefollowing interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, allof the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples:alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements orranges.

Although the operations of any method(s) disclosed or described hereineither explicitly or implicitly are shown and described in a particularorder, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so thatcertain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so thatcertain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently withother operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operationsof distinct operations may be implemented in an intermittent and/oralternating manner.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments. Any measurements or dimensions described orused herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the presentinvention. Other measurements or dimensions are within the scope of theinvention.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and conceptsof the various references described above to provide yet furtherembodiments of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the abovedescription describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, anddescribes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the aboveappears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details ofthe system may vary considerably in its implementation details, whilestill being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which thatterminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the followingclaims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines suchterms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses notonly the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways ofpracticing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of thedisclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as ameans-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied ina computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 will include the words “means for”). Accordingly, theapplicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing theapplication to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects ofthe disclosure.

Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have beenshown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms usedherein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes,modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vibration therapy device, comprising: a housingcomprising a handle portion and a head portion; an electrical source; amotor positioned in the housing; a push rod assembly operativelyconnected to the motor, wherein the push rod assembly comprises: areciprocating shaft comprising a distal most end and an opening definedat the distal most end; and an attachment member coupled to the distalmost end of the reciprocating shaft and located outside of the housing,the attachment member comprising a shaft extending into the opening ofthe reciprocating shaft, and wherein the reciprocating shaft isconfigured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor; areciprocating attachment removably received on the attachment member;and a flexible sleeve comprising: a sleeve portion; and an annularflange, wherein the sleeve portion of the flexible sleeve at leastpartially surrounds the reciprocating shaft and is secured to theattachment member, and wherein the annular flange of the flexible sleeveis secured to the housing.
 2. The vibration therapy device of claim 1,wherein the reciprocating attachment comprises an attachment memberrecess, wherein the attachment member is received in the attachmentmember recess, wherein the attachment member defines an attachmentmember diameter and the attachment member recess defines an attachmentmember recess diameter, and wherein the attachment member diameter issmaller than the attachment member recess diameter.
 3. The vibrationtherapy device of claim 1, wherein the head portion comprises a moduleseat surrounding the attachment member, wherein the vibration therapydevice further comprises a ring module removably secured to the moduleseat, wherein the ring module comprises a central opening that defines acentral opening diameter, wherein the reciprocating attachment defines areciprocating attachment diameter, and wherein the central openingdiameter is larger than the reciprocating attachment diameter, such thatthe reciprocating attachment is configured to reciprocate within andrelative to the ring module.
 4. The vibration therapy device of claim 3,wherein the ring module is in electrical communication with theelectrical source, wherein the module seat comprises a first electricalconnector, and wherein the ring module comprises a second electricalconnector in electrical communication with the first electricalconnector.
 5. The vibration therapy device of claim 1, wherein theattachment member has a linear velocity between 0.06 m/s and 0.5 m/s 6.The vibration therapy device of claim 1, wherein the distal most end ofthe flexible sleeve is secured between the distal most end of thereciprocating shaft and the attachment member.
 7. The vibration therapydevice of claim 1, wherein the reciprocating shaft is configured toreciprocate in response to activation of the motor such that theattachment member has a linear velocity between 0.11 m/s and 0.4 m/s. 8.A therapy device, comprising: a housing comprising a handle portion, ahead portion, and a module seat defined on the head portion; anelectrical source; a therapy module removably secured to the moduleseat; a motor positioned in the housing; a switch for activating themotor; a push rod assembly operatively connected to the motor, whereinthe push rod assembly comprises: a reciprocating shaft comprising adistal most end and an opening defined at the distal most end; and anattachment member coupled to the distal most end of the reciprocatingshaft and located outside of the housing, the attachment membercomprising a shaft extending into the opening of the reciprocatingshaft, wherein the therapy module comprises a central opening definedtherein, and wherein the attachment member extends into the centralopening; and a flexible sleeve comprising: a sleeve portion; and anannular flange, wherein the sleeve portion of the flexible sleeve atleast partially surrounds the reciprocating shaft, and wherein theannular flange of the flexible sleeve is secured to the housing.
 9. Thetherapy device of claim 8, wherein the module seat comprises a firstsecurement protrusion and a first securement recess, wherein the therapymodule comprises a second securement protrusion and includes a secondsecurement recess, wherein the first securement protrusion is configuredto be received in the second securement recess, and wherein the secondsecurement protrusion is configured to be received in the firstsecurement recess.
 10. The therapy device of claim 9, wherein one of thefirst securement protrusion and the second securement recess comprisesfemale electrical contacts and the other of the first securementprotrusion and second securement recess comprises male electricalcontacts, and wherein connection of the male electrical contacts andfemale electrical contacts provides electrical communication between theelectrical source and the therapy module.
 11. The therapy device ofclaim 8, wherein the therapy module provides at least one of coldtherapy, heat therapy, LED light therapy, microcurrent therapy,photobiomodulation therapy, radio frequency therapy, cleansing therapy,or ultrasound therapy.
 12. The therapy device of claim 11, wherein thetherapy module is configured to provide the cold therapy at atemperature range between about 65 degrees Fahrenheit to about 78degrees Fahrenheit.
 13. The therapy device of claim 11, wherein thetherapy module is configured to provide the heat therapy at atemperature range between about 95 degrees Fahrenheit to about 109degrees Fahrenheit.
 14. The therapy device of claim 8, wherein the maleelectrical contacts comprise four prongs, and wherein two of the prongsprovide electrical communication and two of the prongs provide datacommunication.
 15. A vibration therapy device, comprising: a housingcomprising a handle portion and a head portion; an electrical source; amotor positioned in the housing; a switch for activating the motor; apush rod assembly operatively connected to the motor, wherein the pushrod assembly comprises: a reciprocating shaft comprising a distal mostend and an opening defined at the distal most end; and an attachmentmember coupled to the distal most end of the reciprocating shaft andlocated outside of the housing, the attachment member comprising a shaftextending into the opening of the reciprocating shaft; and a flexiblesleeve comprising: a sleeve portion; and an annular flange, wherein thesleeve portion of the flexible sleeve at least partially surrounds thereciprocating shaft, and wherein the annular flange of the flexiblesleeve is secured to the housing.
 16. The vibration therapy device ofclaim 15, wherein the distal most end of the flexible sleeve is securedbetween the distal most end of the reciprocating shaft and theattachment member.
 17. The vibration therapy device of claim 15, whereinthe housing comprises a protrusive portion, and wherein the proximal endof the flexible sleeve is secured by the protrusive portion.
 18. Thevibration therapy device of claim 15, wherein the flexible sleevecomprises an annular ridge extending therefrom that is received in agroove in the housing.
 19. A vibration therapy device, comprising: ahousing comprising a handle portion, a head portion and a module seatdefined on the head portion; an electrical source; motor positioned inthe housing; a switch for activating the motor; a push rod assemblyoperatively connected to the motor, wherein the module seat surroundsthe push rod assembly, and wherein the push rod assembly comprises: areciprocating shaft comprising a distal most end and an opening definedat the distal most end; and an attachment member coupled to the distalmost end of the reciprocating shaft and located outside of the housing,the attachment member comprising a shaft extending into the opening ofthe reciprocating shaft; and a cleansing attachment removably receivedon the attachment member and the module seat.
 20. The vibration therapydevice of claim 19, wherein the cleansing attachment comprises a centralsection, wherein when the attachment member reciprocates, the centralsection flexes, and wherein the module seat comprises a first securementprotrusion and a first securement recess, wherein the cleansingattachment comprises a second securement protrusion and a secondsecurement recess, wherein the first securement protrusion is configuredto be received in the second securement recess, and wherein the secondsecurement protrusion is configured to be received in the firstsecurement recess.